7 Apps Like Earnin for Cash Advances
The Earnin app is a great option when you’re short on cash between paychecks and need a boost. Earnin is ideal because it doesn’t come with subscription costs or hidden fees. The trouble is, you can’t access more than $100 per day, which may not be enough to cover your current shortfall.
Read on to learn about apps like Earnin, including options that may provide you with higher amounts for a cash advance. However, some may have fees and higher finance charges you need to know about before you choose the best cash advance app for your needs.
7 Cash Advance Apps Like Earnin
If you’re looking for an alternative to Earnin, here are seven options you can consider:
- DailyPay
- FlexWage
- Branch
- Dave
- Payactiv
- Brigit
- MoneyLion
1. DailyPay
Certain companies participate in DailyPay, an app that employees can use to access part of their earned paychecks on demand. This means that you can cash out before your paycheck arrives. Best of all, there are no fees to access your pay early.
In addition, you can sign up for Friday, a prepaid Visa card with an accompanying app to manage the funds. Use the Visa card to pay for items such as groceries and gas or to withdraw money. If you’re wondering whether your company offers DailyPay, check with your human resources contact or manager.
2. FlexWage
FlexWage is similar to DailyPay in that it’s an option to access your earned payroll and tips on demand. The service is only available through participating companies. You’ll receive a reloadable debit card for the funds you request, making it ideal for anyone who doesn’t have a bank account. You can use the debit card to pay for items or withdraw funds from an ATM.
3. Branch
The apps mentioned so far allow you to withdraw earned tips and payroll if you work for a participating employer. The key is that the money must have been earned already to access the funds. Branch offers a similar service but offers more flexibility.
Branch allows employers to grant advance access to up to half of an employee’s next paycheck. The amount will be deposited into your Branch digital wallet, where you can pay bills, transfer funds or make withdrawals using the linked card that comes with the app.
Another way that Branch provides more flexibility is by offering delivery options on your funds. You can choose to get paid in a standard three-day period. Or you could rush payment for a fee.
4. Dave
If you have an account with Dave, you could receive a cash advance, known as ExtraCash, for up to $500 with no interest as long as you have direct deposit set up. Receiving payroll as a direct deposit to your Dave account has its advantages — you’ll likely receive your paycheck up to two days earlier than scheduled.
If you’re questioning whether opening an account with Dave is worth it, you’ll find that it has no fees outside of the $1 monthly membership fee. There are no overdraft, ATM or minimum balance fees to worry about.
5. Payactiv
Payactiv is one of the largest payroll advance services. It works with more than 1,500 employers, such as Uber and Walmart. Each employer determines how much it’ll allow you to access from your earned wages. Any portion of your payroll you choose to receive as an advance will be deducted from your next paycheck.
The funds can be transferred to an existing bank account or card, or you can even schedule bill payments with your payroll balance through the Payactiv app. Even if you don’t work for a participating employer, you can still use Payactiv as a banking alternative.
6. Brigit
If you find that you regularly need access to a small amount of cash and don’t currently have access through your bank to an overdraft line of credit, Brigit could be a good solution. For a monthly membership fee of $9.99, you could have instant access with no credit check to cash advances of up to $250. And outside of the monthly membership fee, there are no other charges.
Brigit also offers a 12-month or 24-month credit-builder loan. Brigit will place the amount of the loan in a deposit account,and you’ll contribute a certain amount toward your minimum payment each month. You can choose to contribute anywhere from $1 to $25 for a 24-month term or $1 to $50 for a 12-month term. The remainder of the minimum payment will be made from your deposit account. Best of all, you could build your credit when you repay the loan since Brigit reports your payments to the credit bureaus.
7. MoneyLion
MoneyLion is similar to Brigit. You’ll receive a no-interest cash advance for up to $250 if you’re eligible, and the funds will be available in minutes. MoneyLion doesn’t run a credit check to see if you qualify for the cash. The main eligibility requirements include a checking account that’s been open for at least two months and a consistent, positive balance with regular deposits.
For larger amounts, MoneyLion offers credit-builder loans via its Credit Builder Plus program. It will cost you $19.99 per month to join, but you’ll have access to up to $1,000, which must be repaid over a 12-month period. MoneyLion will report your payments to the credit bureaus to help you build your credit score. However, you’ll need to weigh whether the monthly membership fee and the APR are worth the expense.
Takeaway
There are times in life when making ends meet can be a challenge — especially when an unexpected emergency or expense comes up. Having early access to your paycheck or knowing where to find a cash advance app without sky-high fees can be a lifesaver. These seven cash advance apps can be helpful alternatives to Earnin when you’re short on cash.
Information is accurate as of Oct. 19, 2022.
